Weybridge’s town hall has recently been given the validation it needs to build a cinema on the premises. The planning application was accepted on the 27th March to build on the 100-year-old site.
This will be the second time that Weybridge Hall has sheltered a cinema; the previous one closed 50 years ago. The cinema itself is anticipated to be a 2-screen independent, although talks of the chain, ‘Everyman’ were also in circulation. Old and young alike can rest assured they will be catered for due to the rumoured idea of having 3 showings per day. Each showing will target different groups, with the evening favouring the younger, and daytime viewings tailored for the elder.
Despite a few concerns of noise and parking in the vicinity, citizens of Weybridge were primarily eager about having a new attraction in the quiet town. Shop owners such as Sharon Ferrari, owner of Gemini, who remarked: ‘ Its just the thing to boost Weybridge’s economy and help local businesses,’ are thrilled about the new move as the cinema appears set to boost the stagnant town’s profile in the local area. What with many favouring the bustle of, ‘The Heart,’ shopping centre in Walton-on-Thames or even the Everyman cinema there, Weybridge doesn’t experience the same footfall.
Weybridge’s ‘boutique’ cinema is likely to arrive late summer of this year. Hopefully it will fulfil the joyous expectations of local residents, and thrive in the community.
By Charlotte Lambert
St George's Weybridge
